Glass washing apparatus

ABSTRACT

In a washing apparatus, particularly an apparatus designed for the washing of glass tumblers, means are provided for washing the entire glass which includes a platform arranged to be rotated by a motor, the platform having a glass supporting surface containing a multiplicity of openings extending from and through said surface and a lower surface, spray nozzles directed to force liquid through the openings in the platform, and spray devices directed to force liquid down towards the inverted glasses which are placed on the platform, the spray nozzles and spray devices being connected via a conduit to an open-topped reservoir beneath the platform and positioned directly beneath the glass supporting surface, pumps connected to supply liquid from the reservoir to the spray devices and spray nozzles and an enclosure around and above the glass supporting platform. Rotary feed and discharge discs are frictionally driven by the platform.

Muted States Patent 11 1 1111 3,731,696 Hackney 1 May 8, 1973 54 GLASS WASHING APPARATUS 638,509 1/1928 France ..l34/80 Inventor: 'Se y, 203 1,113,465 12/1955 France ..134/80 cahfomla 65018 Primary ExaminerDanie1 Blum [22] Fil d: Mar- 2, 1971 Attorney-Polster & Polster 21 A l.N 120113 1 1 PP 0 1 [57] ABSTRACT 52 US. Cl. ..l34/80,134/134,134/152, a washing apparatus Panicularly aPParatus 134/170 designed for the washing of glass tumblers, means are 51 Int. Cl. ..B08b 3/02 Provided washmg the entire glass which inciudes [58] Field of Search ..l34/80 81 152 Platfmm arranged be mated by a motor the Plat 134/170 3 form having a glass supporting surface containing a multiplicity of openings extending from and through [56] References Cited said surface and a lower surface, spray nozzles directed to force liquid through the openings in the UNITED STATES PATENTS platform, and spray devices directed to force liquid 1 029 681 6/1912 Hai ht 198/22 R down towards the inverted glasses which are placed on g the platform, the spray nozzles and spray devices 1,173,208 2/1916 Murray.. ..134/80 1,553,428 9/1925 Benn ....134/80 bemg Connected a Conduit to an p pp 1,707,159 3 1929 m m 134 3 reservoir beneath the platform and positioned directly 1,932,683 10/1933 Beeson ,...198/22B beneath the glass supporting surface, pumps con- 1,958,846 5/1934 Christensen X nected to supply liquid from the reservoir to the spray 2,191,513 2/1940 Bigelow ....134/80X devices and spray nozzles and an enclosure around gig- 12 and above the glass supporting platform. Rotary feed and discharge discs are frictionally driven by the platform.

5 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures GLASS WASHING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a washing apparatus and particularly to an apparatus for washing drinking glasses. In the commercial practice commonly followed in most of todays eating and drinking establishments, used glasses are dipped by hand into a washing solvent, then hand brushed and dipped into a rinse solution. Such a practice has several disadvantages. Since it is a hand operation, it requires the continual presence of someone to do the actual washing. There also is no assurance that all surfaces of the glass will be washed, as a proper washing operation is dependent upon the degree of physical exertion expended in hand brushing and dipping the glasses.

It is one of the objects of this invention to provide an apparatus for washing glasses that enables the operator merely to place an inverted glass on a surface whence it will pass through an automatic, predetermined wash cycle.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an apparatus in which the glass article is cleansed and rinsed without the necessity of attention from the operator, thus providing a rapid and easy washing operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus that will provide a proper wash cycle for all objects being washed.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus that is not complicated in design and that provides ready accessibility to all the operating elements.

Other objects will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the following description and accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with this invention, generally stated, an apparatus is provided which rotates objects to be washed through a series of spray devices during which time a plurality of spray solutions are applied successively to the object. Means are also provided to segregate the various solutions, before, during, and after these applications.

In the preferred embodiment, there is included, in addition to the washing platform, both feed and discharge platforms. Once a glass is placed on the feed platform it requires no further attention as it will be caught by guides, taken through the wash cycle, and deposited upon the discharge platform. The glass may be left on the discharge platform until it is required for use or it may be removed to another area for drying.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a top view of one illustrative embodiment of the washing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 indicates an annular enclosure, inverted L-shaped in diametric section, with a side wall 2, interrupted by an opening 3, and a top wall 102. A reservoir 4 has a side wall 104, a bottom 105, and radial partitions 106, dividing the interior of the reservoir into three noncommunicatlng, open-topped tanks 107, 108 and 109. The enclosure 1 is supported by and mounted on the reservoir 4. The reservoir 4 is secured to and supported by four angle iron legs 10 set at the corners of a square base 8. Angle iron braces 1 1, spaced vertically from the base 8 extend from leg to leg and form a square frame 9. A circular platform 5, mounted on the upper end of a shaft 6, lies radially inboard of the exterior side wall 2 of the enclosure 1, above the reservoir tanks and the bottom edge of the enclosure side wall 2. The shaft 6 is driven by a motor 7 mounted on a cross member 120 on the base 8.

The shaft 6 extends through a boss or well 114 welded into and projecting upward from the bottom of the reservoir, and is joumaled in a sleeve bearing mounted in the well. The partitions 106 are welded to the outside of the boss 1 14.

A drum 110, mounted centrally on the platform 5, has a side wall 111 which serves as a revolving inner wall of the enclosure 1.

Radially directed curtain dividers 12, 13, and 14 suspended from the top wall 102, separate the area above the platform 5 into three sections approximately coextensive circumferentially with the three tanks 107, 108 and 109. A circular feed platform 16 is rotatably mounted on the upper, vertical end of a bracket rod 19 supported at its other end on the side wall 104 of the reservoir. A circular discharge platform 17 is likewise rotatably mounted on the upper vertical end of a bracket rod 20, supported at its other end on the side wall 104 of the reservoir. The platforms 16 and 17 extend through a slot in the side wall 2, and both platforms 16 and 17 frictionally engage the edge of the platform 5. A guide 21 and a guide 22 are provided, mounted on opening-defining edges of the side wall 104 extending over the feed and discharge platforms respectively. The platform 5 is full of openings between the upper and lower surface of the platform and may in fact, be in the form of expanded metal or other rigid grill material. A water resistant, vertically split, curtain 27 is suspended from the top wall 102 and extends across the opening 3.

Three pumps 34, 35, and 36 are mounted at three interior angles of the frame 9, and are connected by a belt 44 to an electric motor 45 mounted at the fourth interior angle of the frame 9. Intake conduits 31, 32, and 33 run from tanks 107, 108 and 109 respectively to the suction side of pumps 34, 35 and 36 respectively. The discharge side of pumps 34, 35, and 36, is connected via conduits 37, 38, and 39 to groups 140, 141 and 142 respectively of spray devices 40. Spray devices 40 are tubes bent into an inverted J shape, a long leg 46 of which extends below the platform, radially outboardly of the platform and inboardly of the side wall of the enclosure 2, an upper reach 47 of which extends over a glass supporting area of the platform and a short leg 48 of which extends to a place close to but spaced above the platform 5. The leg 48, reach 47 and the part of the leg 46 above the platform 5 are perforated along their inside surfaces to permit liquid from the conduits 37, 38 and 39 to spray toward the center of the rectangle defined by the legs. Upwardly pointed nozzles 143,

144 and 145 are positioned below the platform 5 and are connected to communicate with conduits 37, 38 and 39 respectively.

In operation, the glass to be washed is placed mouth down on the feed platform 16, and the rotation of the motor driven platform causes the glass to be caught by the guide 21 and fed to the washing platform 5. As it passes through the first section of the apparatus it is sprayed with cleansing solution from the first tank of the reservoir 4, on its outside by the group 140 of spray devices and on its inside by the nozzle 143 through the openings in the platform 5. It then passes through splits in the curtain 14 to the next section where it is sprayed with clear water from tank for a first rinse; hence, through splits in the curtain 13, to the next section; where it is sprayed with another clear water rinse. Consequently, the glass is sprayed on its entire external surface and its entire internal surface. The openings in the platform 5 also allow the solution to drain back into each respective tank. The curtains 12, 13, and 14 along with the drum 1 prevent or inhibit the solution in one section from commingling with the solution contained in another section of the apparatus. After the final rinse, the glass is caught by guide 22, and carried to discharge platform 17 where it may be used as is, allowed to dry, or it may be removed to another drying station.

Numerous variations in the construction of this apparatus within the scope of the appended claims will occur to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure. For example, an automatic on-off switch may be attached to and positioned with respect to platform 17 that any object touching a contact lever of the switch will turn the apparatus off. The number of reservoirs and their associated conduits, pumps, and spray devices may be varied. Thus, a greater or fewer number of spraying operations may be conducted. Such variations are merely illustrative.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A washing apparatus, comprising:

a frame;

a washing platform having a plurality of openings therethrough rotatably mounted to said frame, said platform having an annular peripheral edge;

means for rotating said platform;

an open-top reservoir mounted to said frame and positioned beneath said platform;

means for spraying a liquid positioned above said platform adapted to direct liquid downwardly through said openings;

means for dividing the area above said platform sectionally into a series of washing areas;

means for enclosing said platform and said spraying means, said enclosing means having at least one opening in it for access to said platform;

a feed platform rotatably mounted to said frame at said enclosure opening having an annular peripheral edge abutting said peripheral edge of said washing platform; a discharge plat orm rotatably mounted to said frame at said enclosure opening in spaced relationship to said feed platform, said discharge platform having an annular peripheral edge abutting said peripheral edge of said washing platform, said platform rotating means rotatably driving said wash platform whereby said feed and discharge platforms in turn are driven by said wash platform through the frictional engagement of said abutting peripheral edges.

2. A washing apparatus, comprising:

a frame;

a washing platform having a multiplicity of openings therethrough, rotatably mounted to said frame, said washing platform having an annular peripheral edge;

means for rotating said platform;

an open-top reservoir mounted to said frame and positioned beneath said platform;

a plurality of spray nozzles which direct a liquid spray upwardly through said platform openings mounted beneath said platform;

a plurality of spray devices connected to said spray nozzles and extending above said platform which direct a liquid spray downwardly through said platform openings;

at least one pump mounted to said frame connected between said reservoir and said spray nozzle and spray devices pluralitites;

a feed platform rotatably mounted to said frame having an annular peripheral edge abutting said peripheral edge of said washing platform;

a discharge platform rotatably mounted to said frame having an annular peripheraledge abutting said peripheral edge of said washing platform in spaced relationship with respect to said feed platform, said platform rotating means rotatably driving said wash platform, said feed and discharge platforms in turn being frictionally driven by said wash platform; and

a'drum having a diameter smaller than said washing platform mounted to said washing platform and rotatable therewith.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of said spray devices are inverted J-shaped in side elevation.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said open-top reservoir is divided sectionally to correspond to said washing areas and said means for dividing the area above said platform sectionally includes a drum having a smaller diameter than said platform, said drum being mounted on said platform and rotatable therewith.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein a plurality of curtain dividers between said enclosure means and said drum divides the area above said platform radially. 

1. A washing apparatus, comprising: a frame; a washing platform having a plurality of openings therethrough rotatably mounted to said frame, said platform having an annular peripheral edge; means for rotating said platform; an open-top reservoir mounted to said frame and positioned beneath said platform; means for spraying a liquid positioned above said platform adapted to direct liquid downwardly through said openings; means for dividing the area above said platform sectionally into a series of washing areas; means for enclosing said platform and said spraying means, said enclosing means having at least one opening in it for access to said platform; a feed platform rotatably mounted to said frame at said enclosure opening having an annular peripheral edge abutting said peripheral edge of said washing platform; a discharge platform rotatably mounted to said frame at said enclosure opening in spaced relationship to said feed platform, said discharge platform having an annular peripheral edge abutting said peripheral edge of said washing platform, said platform rotating means rotatably driving said wash platform whereby said feed and discharge platforms in turn are driven by said wash platform through the frictional engagement of said abutting peripheral edges.
 2. A washing apparatus, comprising: a frame; a washing platform having a multiplicity of openings therethrough, rotatably mounted to said frame, said washing platform having an annular peripheral edge; means for rotating said platform; an open-top reservoir mounted to said frame and positioned beneath said platform; a plurality of spray nozzles which direct a liquid spray upwardly through said platform openings mounted beneath said platform; a plurality of spray devices connected to said spraY nozzles and extending above said platform which direct a liquid spray downwardly through said platform openings; at least one pump mounted to said frame connected between said reservoir and said spray nozzle and spray devices pluralitites; a feed platform rotatably mounted to said frame having an annular peripheral edge abutting said peripheral edge of said washing platform; a discharge platform rotatably mounted to said frame having an annular peripheral edge abutting said peripheral edge of said washing platform in spaced relationship with respect to said feed platform, said platform rotating means rotatably driving said wash platform, said feed and discharge platforms in turn being frictionally driven by said wash platform; and a drum having a diameter smaller than said washing platform mounted to said washing platform and rotatable therewith.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of said spray devices are inverted J-shaped in side elevation.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said open-top reservoir is divided sectionally to correspond to said washing areas and said means for dividing the area above said platform sectionally includes a drum having a smaller diameter than said platform, said drum being mounted on said platform and rotatable therewith.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein a plurality of curtain dividers between said enclosure means and said drum divides the area above said platform radially. 